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Fall 2009
NORTH HAMPTON Community Newsletter SPONSORED BY: Friends of the Library, North Hampton Public Library, North Hampton School Board and the Town of North Hampton
N. Hampton School Begins its New School Year In This Issue N. Hampton School Begins its New School Year . . . . . . .1 Town of N. Hampton Reaches a Rate Settlement with Aquarion Water W ater Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Agricultura Agricu lturall Comm Co mmission ission News . . . . .3 North Hampton Historical Society News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 News from N. Hampton Rec . . . . . .4 News from United Church of Christ in North Hampton . . . . . .5 Fall Events in Health and Healing at the United Church of Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Board of Selectmen News . . . . . . . . .6 Fall Concert: Music of South Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Conservation Commission Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 News from the North Hampton Women’ omen’ss Club Cl ub . . . . . . . . . .7 North Hampton Library Library News News . . . . . .8 Fall Programs for Youth at N. Hampton Library . . . . . . . . . . .9 Summer Reading 2009 . . . . . . . . . .10 Downloadable Audio Books . . . . .10 The N. Hampton Library is now on Facebook and Twitter! . . . . .10 Friends of the Library . . . . . . . . . . .11 N. Hampton Library Benefits from JAG Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 New Programs for Fall at Centennial Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 From the Friends of the North Hampton Bandstand . . . . . . .12 News from the North Hampton Energy Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Recycling Center Info . . . . . . . . . . .13 PAL’s PAL ’s School Schoo l Year Begins Beg ins . . . . . . . . .13 News from North Hampton School Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 North Hampton Cub Scouts Pack 162 . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Next Deadline WEDNESDAYY, DECEMBER 9, 2010 WEDNESDA
Newsletter Contacts Ro ssi, 964-5501 SCHOOL: Tara Rossi, TOWN: Lorreen Keating, 964-6326, [email protected]
The start of the 2009-2010 school year at North Hampton School was celebrated by students, parents, staff and community members at the Open House and Back to School Picnic sponsored by PAL on Thursday, August 27. Within our freshly scrubbed and gleaming school facility, students found their way to their new classrooms and were greeted warmly by their new teachers. Outside, under a perfect blue sky, everyone had the opportunity to reconnect with old and new friends Back to school picnic 2009 over barbequed hamburgers and hotat North Hampton School dogs. The music, the bouncy house, the playground, the volley ball court, and most importantly the dessert and information tents all contributed to a festive welcome of the new school year. Perfect weather again ushered the students off the bus and out of their cars on Monday, August 31 for the first day of school. Four hundred eighty-three students walked through the doors ready to begin a new learning journey with their teachers and peers. If faces at the end of the day were any prediction, this year promises to be one of our best! North Hampton School has some different faces this year as ten new interns and five new Educational Associates join the staff. We have also hired three new certified teachers: Michelle Kling in Grade 2, Susan Haight in Visual Arts K-4, and Trish Johnston in Grade 5. Be sure to introduce yourselves to all of us, whether we are returning or new staff members. We want to be sure you know us and the important work we are about in this school. To give you a taste of what we value, please read our newly adopted Mission Statement and Guiding Beliefs below. We hope you will join our community forum this fall to write the Vision that will align with these beliefs. Stay tuned for additional public information on this way of having a voice in your school.
MISSION: Education that empowers individuals to be caring, competent, responsible citizens who value learning as a lifelong process. GUIDING BELIEFS: • We We believe our school must be a healthy and safe environment both physically and emotionally for all. • We We believe we are educating individuals in the areas of academics, arts, civics and wellness; we will support and challenge each student to achieve his/her highest potential. • We We believe there is a shared responsibility and necessary collaboration among students, parents, educators, school board and community for advancing the school’s Mission, Guiding Beliefs and Vision with a commitment to continuous improvement. ~Jan Scipione, Assistant Principal NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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FALL 2009
MUNICIPA L OFFICES 233 ATLANTIC AVENUE, NORTH HAMPTON, NH 03862 TEL: (603) 964-8087 FAX: (603) 964-1514
TOW N OF NORTH H A MPTON, NEW H A MPSHIR E
Town of North Hampton Reaches a Rate Settlement with Aquarion Water Company NORTH HAMPTON, NH -The Town of North Hampton is pleased to announce that it has reached a rate case settlement agreement with Aquarion Water Company of New Hampshire, the NH PUC staff, and the Office of Consumer Advocate. On July 14, 2009 the settlement was presented to the NH PUC for its review and approval. An order on the settlement proposal is expected within 30 to 60 days. The Town believes that the settlement will allow Aquarion to continue to modernize and maintain its system, while responding to its customers needs by reducing the requested rate increases. North Hampton had several objectives in the rate case: to limit the increase in hydrant fees, the address the inequity of ratepayers subsidizing the cost of seasonal water connections by summer residents (most of whom reside in Hampton and Rye) and to encourage the adoption of measures to address water conservation. Aquarion had proposed a 21% increase in public hydrant fee charges. The Town was successful limiting the increase in fire hydrant fees to 9.99% instead. This was the lowest increase of any customer class. This has been a contentious issue with the Town since it pays almost $250,000 in hydrant service fees. Aquarion has acknowledged that its seasonal water connection fee of $15 was not covering the actual cost (estimated at $44) of providing such service. The settlement calls for the seasonal water connection fee to increase to $44, with the new revenue to be dedicated to reduction of public hydrant rates. The settlement commits Aquarion to work with North Hampton and the other municipalities where it provides water service on issues related to water conservation. The Selectmen, the Water Commissioners and the town land use boards look forward to working constructively with Aquarion on strategies (land use regulations, building code revisions) that will encourage water conservation. North Hampton also joined with the Office of Consumer Advocate in supporting the company’s proposal for a Water Infrastructure and Conservation Adjustment Charge (WICA). This pilot program will run until the next rate case is presented (3-5 years) and will involve the company presenting to the parties a 3 year plan for capital improvements that address projects. For the first time, this will allow North Hampton and other parties an opportunity to review and comment on water infrastructure improvements before they are installed. North Hampton and the Office of Consumer Advocate sought to have the company move more quickly to install meters that can be read electronically from the street. This would allow for monthly billing, thereby providing customers with timely price signals on the costs of increased water usage during the summer. North Hampton and the Office of Consumer Advocate also supported the adoption of a system development charge (a typical charge when municipalities operate the water system), whereby those who wish to connect to the system pay a sum to buy into the investment that the long term customers have been making over the years in the system’s capacity to serve new customers. Consensus could not be reached on these issues with the PUC staff. North Hampton looks forward to seeing these measures implemented as part of a future rate proceeding. As always, the North Hampton Water Commission wants to remind everyone that the best way to offset any increase in the water rates is conservation. There are many simple things that you can do to conserve water and at the same time, conserve money.
~North Hampton Water Commission Henry Fuller, Co-Chair, Bob Landman, Co-Chair, Richard Bettcher, Timothy Harned PAGE 2
NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
FALL 2009
Agricultural Commission News The recently appointed Agricultural Commission members have been meeting once a month in the Town Clerk’s Office and are exploring methods of encouraging local agricultural production, awareness, and support. Fortunately, North Hampton Zoning regulations already do support agriculture throughout town and we still have a few farms that produce and sell agricultural products. We would like to create an inventory of what is available, so please let us know what you, in the community, are doing or would like to do with your land. Through efforts like community garden, school garden, backyard farming, and neighbors teaching neighbors, we hope to expand our agricultural basis. Our members have been learning to use the new Web Soil Survey data available from the US Dept. of Agriculture and the NH Natural Resources and Conservation Service. We have created soil maps for some of our properties and can do this for anyone in town who would like to have it. North Hampton now has an Organic Grocery Delivery Service operated by Jeffery Schick (www.waithakafarm.com). Jeffery will deliver fresh, locally grown, organic meat and produce, as well as nationally grown organic products, from his immaculate facility to your doorstep every week (800 714 4147). Also Farmer’s Markets are a wonderful place to shop and Seacoast Growers Association sponsors the Dover, Durham, Exeter, Hampton, Kingston, Portsmouth, and Rye Farmers’ Market. There is a Farmers’ Market at one of these locations each day of the week. For further information, check the following websites: www.seacoastgrowers.org, www.seacoastharvest.org, www.nhfma.org, www.localharvest.org. Our Invitation We would like to invite members of the community to a showing of the documentary, “Fresh”, which we will be sponsoring at the Library on Tuesday September 22nd and again on Friday September 25 th at 7:30pm. It is a well researched presentation covering the status of the food industry in the US. In addition, the Portsmouth Music Hall will feature the movie “Food Inc.” on Thursday, September 24th. This film documents our highly mechanized, sometime cruel, and genetically altered, food supply and the corporations that control it.
We hope you can join us. Our members include: Robert Copp ([email protected]), Dieter Ebert ([email protected]), Cindy Jenkins ([email protected]), Walter Nordstrom ([email protected]), and Dick Wollmar (org [email protected])
North Hampton Historical Society News The fall season of public programs begins on Monday, September 21st at 7pm at The United Church of Christ. This program will be presented by Clayton Willoughby who sings old time music, such as Rudy Vallee songs. On Monday October 19th UNH Associate Professor Robert Macieski, will present a program on “Child Labor”. The program for Monday, November 16 will be “Lighthouses, Legends and Mysteries” by Bill Thompson. All programs will be held at the United Church of Christ of North Hampton beginning at 7:00pm. In December we will have our annual Christmas Party for members only. If your family has roots in North Hampton dating back more than a century, you might find interesting new information about them in a brand-new transcription of North Hampton’s earliest church and town records. More than a decade in the making, this book is the first of three planned volumes and offers birth, marriage and death records as far back as 1738. These records are from the very earliest days of the settlement and four years before the Town was incorporated. Of particular interest are the deaths recorded by North Hampton’s long-time minister, The Rev. Dr. Jonathan French between the years 1801-1852. After transcribing the records, the book’s authors, Susannah Clark and Richard Curl, checked them against the manuscripts as many as six times to ensure accuracy. They preserved the spelling and formatting as much as possible to give the book a flavor of what the original documents are like. More than fifty pages of indexes include married and maiden names, as well as indexes of places and of the professionals – clergymen, town clerks, doctors and even reporters who submitted information listed in the records. The book can be ordered for $15.00 plus $5.00 shipping by emailing [email protected] on Ebay. To learn more about North Hampton’s history, visit www.northahmptonhistory.org Recently, we lost a long time dedicated member and dear friend, Forest Griffin. We will all miss him.
~Beverley J. Frenette, Vice President, North Hampton Historical Society NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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News from North Hampton Recreation Summer Gone Past...The theme for this summer seemed to be “stop and smell the flowers.” Although it was quite busy with camps like surf camp, which had to be rescheduled due to flat waves, and soccer camp, where the heat just slowed down everyone’s pace, including the campers. Programs canceled were: Lacrosse camp & Baseball & Softball camp. Summer Rec Camp went off without a hitch; the staff setting the relaxing yet entertaining tone, with the campers following suit; everyone enjoyed each other’s company. Summer Rec Camp consists of three camps within one: Full time, Part time with one field trip weekly, and part time only, where the campers opt for the camp only package. I would like to take a few minutes and thank each counselor, and the Camp’s directors, Geoff Miller and KC Smith, Head Counselor, Conor Cullinane, for yet another fabulous camp! Special Thanks to: Kevin Donohoe, Becca Kisner, Eric Carroll, Julia Panopoulos, Brendan Barry, Michael Worrell, Kevin Gnecco, Kelsey Farrell, Jillian Sarazen, Maddy Gaffey, Drew Rocco, Ryan Flagg, Heather Laroche, Alex Provencal, Alex Seaton, Tony Facella, and Caitlin Terry. The time and energy that you spent this summer as a camp counselor made a difference in the lives of the children who attended. Little Nippers was moved from Dearborn Park to the school and was run by KC Smith and Karen Donohoe, who just at the age of sixteen, has shown true leadership qualities. Curious Creatures visited with a plethora of animals; a bunny, a python, a chinchilla, and a program called Dancing the Story off the Pages visited during each session. Next year, with the addition of the recreation van, they will be able to visit the Green and enjoy the children’s musicians that the Bandstand Committee offer’s each summer for the children. Thanks to the Little Nippers Staff: Emma Hayden, Ashley Maclaughlin, Dan Sullivan & Jack Place. Thank you to Sandy Dewing for helping me with the tasks of researching and presentation of the purchase of the Recreation van to the Select Board members. Also, a thank you to the Recreation Commissioners for their continued support. Sponsors: Without their continued support, there are many children in North Hampton who would not be able to attend summer rec camp. Many of our recipients live in single parent homes and with the current economic crisis, every bit counted! A VERY special thanks to Patrick Walsh and Meredith Arnold, of Ocean Properties, who have been more than helpful whenever the need a rose or when I fell short of a monetary goal- they always step up! Ocean Properties was also our camp tee shirt sponsor as well as donating to the scholarship fund. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you to the Rockingham County Incentive Fund, The Fuller Foundation, Judy Day & Larry Miller, Lamprey Brothers, Paul McInnis, Bentley by the Sea RE, Luck Enterprises, Prime Acura North, Rt. 1 Self-Storage, Sagamore-Hampton Golf, North Hampton Drywall, Hiltunen, Nash & Maguire. Dearborn Park Playground: Well, the structure is finally in! We will not be putting up the shades until the springtime due to the incoming cold weather. Thank you to the Robie Mackin Charitable Foundation for their generous donation that will be enjoyed in the upcoming years! Adult Programs: Coed Softball League: teams were Bella Rose, The Bullets, Seacoast Harley, The Beach Plum, RB Allen, FA Gray. Bella Rose was the first place team during the summer season and FA Gray won the end of the season tourney. Men’s Over 35 Hoop: Teams were Team Ferrari, Latitude Sports Clubs, Team Sydney and Team Anderson. Team Ferrari (Blue team) was the first place team during the season and Latitude sports Club won the end of season tourney. Upcoming Fall Programs: PASA: Programs for Active Senior Adults. We are currently in the process of forming a group that will meet for trips or other activities. Trips to Lee, NH to visit the Flag Hill Winery
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NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
FALL 2009
News from North Hampton Recreation continued from page 4 are in the process of being planned. For more information on how to join the group, please call Diane at 964-3170, I would be more than happy to share information and listen to suggestions. Adult Programs: Celtics trips, Coed Floor Hockey, and Men’s Over 35 Hoop League, Zumba and Belly Dancing. Afterschool: Coyote Club, Fencing, Archery, Street Hockey, Intramural Volleyball, Homework Clubs for grades 4-8th, Piano Lessons First tee, Tennis, Weird Science with Seacoast Science Center, and sign ups for Gunstock Ski Club begins Monday September 14. Events: Healthy U on Saturday, September 26 at NHS from 2-5pm, Trick or treatin’ at the Fire Station is Friday, October 30, 2009 from 4-7pm & Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 12, from 9am-11:30am held at the Old Town Hall.
~Diane Wheeler, Director, North Hampton Recreation
News from United Church of Christ in North Hampton This fall we look forward to moving back to North Hill Parish, affectionately known as the “Big Church” at 295 Atlantic Avenue. We are excited to share our celebration and rededication of our newly renovated sanctuary on September 13th at 10am with the North Hampton Community. If you cannot join us at that time we have other opportunities this fall that we hope you can come and enjoy.
SEPTEMBER 25, 7:30PM New Organ Dedication Concert OCTOBER 17, 6:30PM Matimba Choral Concert OCTOBER 24, 10AM TO 3PM Book Sale and Pumpkin Carving NOVEMBER 6, TIME TBD Pops Concert by No. Hampton Choir NOVEMBER 7, 9AM TO 3PM Ladies Union Fall Fair NOVEMBER 14, 5PM Ham & Bean Supper ~Ellen Dozet, Office Manager
Fall Events in Health and Healing at the United Church of Christ 1. Healing Circle- resumes the third Wednesday of each month from 7-8:30pm in the vestry- Sept. 18, Oct. 21, Nov. 17, 2009. The evening will begin and end with a gathering circle. The seacoast community is warmly welcomed. 2. American Red Cross Community Blood Donor Drive- Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, 2-7pm - Call Janet Sanborn Faith Community Nurse 964-8568 if interested in more information or contact The American Red Cross Blood Services at 1-800-262-2660. 3. Fitness Group resumes on Thursday mornings from 9-10am in the vestry starting in October with Marcia Forrest PT. See Marcia to register (964-6005) and for the specific starting date. No charge. Donations accepted. 4. Foot Clinic- Thursday, September 10, 2009, 11-3:30- Please note date as it has changed. This service is offered by the Seacoast Visiting Nurses in North Hampton which has recently merged with Home Health VNA in Lawrence Massachusetts. You may schedule an appointment by calling the Seacoast VNA @ 926-2066. 5. Pathways “Gentle and Wellness Yoga”. Two five-week sessions will be available from September 10th through November 19th on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30pm. Kathy Ullrich Certified Yoga Instructor will lead the sessions. Cost is 40.00 for 5 weeks paid in advance or $10.00 per week. The class is for beginners as well as students who wish to practice a thoughtful, gentle style yoga. Call Kathy for more information and to register at 817-8341 or email [email protected]. 6. Health Forums - Save the Dates • Sunday October 25th, 2009 11:45am following worship. “Mental Health and Wellbeing” Dr. Mark Watts D.Min.CGP. and Licensed Pastoral Psychotherapist plans to identify common mental health conditions, as depression and stress, their signs and symptoms, and how to get help. We ask that you sign- up in advance so that we can provide enough food and materials. Contact Janet Sanborn RN, FCN @ 964-8568 or the Church Office 964-8687. • Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 11:45am following worship. “Emergency Preparedness for the Family”- Susan Staples,Vista volunteer for the Great Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross, will discuss the role of the American Red Cross in community outreach throughout the state and how families can be prepared in a crisis. Please sign-up in advance by calling 964-8568 or the Church office at 964-8687. A light lunch will be served. NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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Board of Selectmen News The last few months have been encouraging for the Town of North Hampton despite the difficult economic times locally and nationally. The Select Board has worked to move forward on several fronts. Fiscal responsibility and long range planning have been common themes. The Town’s finances are in good condition. Town Treasurer, Penny Holbert, interim Finance Director, Douglas Smith and Town Accountant, Tom McCormick, report that all deposit accounts are now compliant with the Town’s investment policy. They are well collateralized and earning very competitive interest rates. Further, we are audit ready, which should result in savings for the Town. Town Clerk - Tax Collector Susan Buchanan, tells us that property tax revenues are coming in at or above expectations. Finally, the department heads are to be commended on their efforts to control costs through good management of overtime and other belt tightening strategies. On the labor front, the Town has successfully negotiated one year contracts with the North Hampton Fire Fighters and with the Teamsters, which represents the police officers and public works employees. A one year contract reflects a recognition by all that in these uncertain economic times a conservative approach to labor contracts is in everyone’s best interest. Work progresses on the Old Town Hall. Recently, extensive roof repairs have been completed. The exterior of the building was painted by the crews of the two submarines that the Town is hosting, the USS Dallas and the NR-1. The Town has benefited from being a host community for the submarine crews and, hopefully, the officers and sailors have enjoyed our hospitality. The Board has issued a request for proposals to do long range planning for the Town campus. The Board voted to expend not more than $70,000.00 from the Town Building Facility capital reserve fund for this project. Assuming an acceptable proposal is received, there will be no effect on the tax rate as these monies have already been appropriated. The purpose of the study is to update and coordinate earlier studies. Recent studies performed by Municipal Resources, Inc. of the police department and the fire department were done independently. These recommendations need to be considered in the context of each other and in the context of earlier studies going back to 2001. The Board believes the timing is right because of the potential to receive federal stimulus money for projects that are “shovel ready” and because contract bids for work reflect the downturn in the economy and the fact that labor supply exceeds labor demand. The Energy Committee completed a thorough energy audit of all Town Facilities. This audit examined the facilities and pointed out areas that the buildings can become more efficient. The Director of Public Works has begun to implement these recommendations. On September 1, the Town saw its long time Fire Chief Tom Lambert retire after three decades of distinguished service. The Select Board would like to take this opportunity to thank Tom for his years of dedicated service. In addition, we would like to thank Tom’s family for their patience during all of these years while he served the Town. The Select Board will begin an extensive search for a new Fire Chief this fall. Until a replacement is found, Deputy Fire Chief Dennis Cote will be Acting Fire Chief. As usual the Board and the Town Administrator, Steve Fournier, welcome public input, questions and comments. We thank all our hardworking town employees. As we transition from summer into fall and winter let’s remember that the children are back in school and take extra care on our highways.
~Craig Salomon, Chair, Michael Coutu, Vice Chair, Jon Rineman, Member
Fall Concert: Music of South Africa On Saturday October 17, at 6:30 PM, Boston’s premier South African music ensemble will present a benefit concert at the United Church of Christ, North Hampton. Matimba ya Ripfumelo (The Power of Hope), founded by Teboho Moeno, is comprised of sixteen members, each of whom has suffered the loss of friends and family members to South Africa’s devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic. The concert is given to raise funds for Tremendous Hearts, a start-up non-profit organization that places and supports volunteers in South Africa to provide service to the orphans and vulnerable children there. To view pictures of Matimba, or to hear selections of their music, go to www.myspace.com/matimbayaripfumelo1. Tickets for the concert are $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12. They may be purchased online at www.tremendoushearts.org or at the door. For further information e-mail or call Jane Boesch, [email protected] or 964-8284. PAGE 6
NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
FALL 2009
Conservation Commission Update During this summer, several new projects were initiated by the Conservation Commission. Highlighted below are some of our recent accomplishments: Dalton Town Forest Entrance Improvements and Timber Harvest Under the direction of Conservation Commission member Stan Knowles, we completed the Town Forest’s procurement work and entrance upgrades to permit our first timber harvest. In July, with the support of the North Hampton Public Works Department, we widened the entrance to the Town Forest and placed a new culvert at the entrance off Exeter Road. This was done to allow equipment to enter the Forest for the timber harvest. Subsequently, we placed gravel fill in a low area and cleared trees near the entrance to allow access by logging equipment to a lay-down area for the timber. The timber harvest began in early August under the direction of licensed Forester, David Dillaire, who wrote the Forest Management Plan, with oversight provided by Stan, who is also a licensed career Forester and the Town’s Tree Warden. The timber harvest was conducted to selectively remove trees to enhance the remaining standing timber growth and to produce revenue from the sale of timber. The sale of approximately 30,000 board-feet of harvested timber will result in revenues of about $4,000 to the Dalton Town Forest account. Little River and Winnicut River Watershed Projects The Commission has been working closely with the NH DES to conduct watershed assessments for both the Little River and the Winnicut River. Subsequent to a red dye test at the North Hampton Beach area, it was found that contamination is flowing from the Little River into ocean near the beach. Testing has indicated elevated levels of e-coli bacteria in the river. The DES has listed the Little River as an impaired waterway and as an issue of concern. As a result, the DES will begin a water testing program in late summer-early fall along the Little River watershed to identify sources of bacterial and other types of contamination. Suspected sources of contamination include septic system failures and surface water runoff with lawn fertilizers and hydrocarbons from homes and businesses near the river. Subsequently, after sources have been confirmed, the DES will initiate enforcement actions, as needed, to mitigate continued bacterial contamination. Project work is also proceeding to conduct a watershed assessment of the Winnicut River. The Commission is supporting the efforts of Mr. Colin Lawson, who is working on his doctoral degree, and the DES for a grant application to EPA to conduct the assessment. The Winnicut River has been identified as a likely impaired waterway, so the first step will be to conduct water testing in several North Hampton locations along the river. It is critically important to conduct the tests in North Hampton, since the river’s headwaters are here, it flows near an Aquarion drinking water well off Winnicut Road and the river empties into the environmentally sensitive Great Bat Estuary. Our goal in both of these important projects is to take proactive actions to curtail the continued and potential contamination of these rivers. Thank You’s The Commission wishes to thank several people for their support this past summer: First, we thank John Hubbard and his staff for their assistance on upgrading the entrance to the Town Forest and delivering gravel to the site for entrance road improvements. Second, we thank Kendall Chevalier for supplying surplus cemetery gravel for the Town Forest improvements. We also thank Alan and Linda Polansky for donating a picnic table which was placed by the Public Works Department inside the entrance to the Town Hiking Trail off Buckskin Lane. We also wish to thank Mr. Neil Moore for donating a land parcel near Nilus Brook for conservation. Finally, we thank Stan Knowles for his diligence and expertise in managing the efforts for the Town Forest improvements and the timber harvest. ~Chris Ganotis, Chairman
News from the North Hampton Women’s Club The North Hampton Woman’s Club gives our thanks to everyone who supported the cookie sales at this summer’s Bandstand Concerts. Our scholarship program has been funded for another year. This year’s recipient was Katherine (Kate) Driscoll. On October 7th we shall have a picnic lunch at the Great Bay Discovery Center at Sandy Point. The program for November 4th will be American Quilt Traditions presented by guest speaker Cheryl Savageau. December 2nd will bring one of our annual highlights: the Winnacunnet High Chamber Singers directed by Patrick Moore. For more information call Jean Pepple at 964-1179. NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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North Hampton Public Library News The Ogden Nash birthday celebration sponsored by the library was a huge success and enjoyed by many. A tour of the Nash home at 9 Atlantic Avenue was graciously hosted by Bob & Sherry Lauter and was followed by the Pontine Theatre’s performance of “Home is Heaven” to an audience of about 60 people at North Hampton School. John Brady, who hosts a blog devoted to Ogden Nash called “Blogden Nash” traveled from New Jersey to take part in the celebration. He shared with the audience his love of the writer’s works and how his writings are still affecting many today. Also shared with the audience were some recollections of Frances Smith, Nash’s granddaughter, and a reading of the poem “I Didn’t Go to Church Today” which was suggested by Linnell Nash Smith as a fitting introduction to the evening’s performance. We want to thank the Lauters for their kindness and generosity in opening their home again to the The Ogden Nash home at 9 Atlantic Avenue community and for taking donations for the tour which were given to the library. The library would like to compile local memories, anecdotes, and stories of Ogden Nash. Please share your memories by emailing them to us at [email protected] or mailing them in to North Hampton Public Library, 237A Atlantic Avenue, North Hampton, NH 03862. “Murder & Mystery on the Isles of Shoals” Join us Wednesday September 30th at 7pm with Ann Beattie who will mesmerize us all with tales of murder and mystery on the Isles of Shoals. Ann is the president of the Isles of Shoals Historical and Research Association and discussed the Isles of Shoals at the library in April. We enjoyed her presentation so much we invited her back to do another program - this time relating to the mystery and intrigue surrounding the Isles of Shoals. This program promises to be as interesting and entertaining as the last and the program is free and open to the public as usual. Bob and Sherry Lauter, Refreshments will be served. owners of the Nash Home The New Hampshire Room is in the final stages of being transformed into a quiet reading area. It will still do double duty as a repository of historical records and as a meeting room, but when it isn’t being used as such, it will be available for quiet reading and enjoyment. You may have noticed new chairs and we will finish the room with a table and lamp. Feel free to take your newspaper or book into the NH Room and enjoy the quiet. Researchers may still use the room and others may hold meetings as usual. Don’t be surprised if you will be able to grab a cup of coffee while you peruse the Globe. Don’t forget the library offers two book clubs. One is during the day every 2nd Thursday of the month at 2pm. The Sunset Book Club meets in the evening at 7pm once a month - normally on a Wednesday night. Our website lists the current selections and dates, or you can call the library. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter. Every Wednesday afternoon at 2pm the library shows a video series from the Great Courses produced by the Teaching Company. Currently showing is the series “Dutch Masters: The Age of Rembrandt” an art series that will go until October. The next afternoon series will be “Great American Music: Broadway Musicals” taught by Professor Bill Messenger of the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. This series will consist of sixteen 45 minute lectures and will span the Minstrel Era down to the present.
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NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
FALL 2009
North Hampton Public Library News
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Read Free or Die! Banned Book Week - September 26 to October 3rd The following statement from the ALA relates the role of public libraries in the community. “The American Library Association actively advocates in defense of the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. A publicly supported library provides free and equal access to information for all people of that community. We enjoy this basic right in our democratic society.” North Hampton Public Library will have special displays and information in the library during Banned Book Week about intellectual freedom and the right to read. FYI: North Hampton residents are using the library more than ever! Overall circulation increased 8% this past year. Adult fiction circulation has increased 9% and adult DVD’s a whopping 33%. With the cost of renting videos and buying new books on the rise, the library is a frequent stop for a movie or bestseller. Feel free to stop by and make suggestions for book and movie purchases for the library.
~Susan Grant, Library Director
Fall Programs for Youth at North Hampton Library Pre School Story Time Pre-registration is required for Story Times. Call or stop by the library to register.
Two’s Time - ages 18 months to 36 months – Tuesdays at 10:00am. Starts Tuesday, September 22 and ends Tuesday December 8th. Ages 3-6 – Wednesdays 10:15am. Starts Tuesday September 23 and ends Tuesday December 16th.
Pajama Story Time: First Monday of every month at 6:30pm. We will finish by 7:00pm. All ages are invited for stories, songs, music, and rhymes. Wear your pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal. No registration is required. Monday, October 5th at 6:30 Monday, November 9th at 6:30 Monday, December 7th at 6:30
“Book Bunch” - After School Fun for children in grades K and up. “Book Bunch” features books and activities. Registration is required for Book Bunch. Program meets Thursdays: September 24, October 22, November 12 and December 17 from 3:45 -4:30.
“Crafty Kids” - Crafts for K and up. Meets one Wednesday a month from 3:30 – 4:30. September 16, October 14, November 18 and December 9. Sign up is required. Limited to 15.
Literary Lions – A book group for students in grades 4-5 (and capable 3rd grade readers). Upcoming meetings and book are: Tuesday, September 22, 3:45-4:30 “Sideways Stories from Wayside School” by Louis Sachar Tuesday, October 13, 3:45-4:30 “Dial-a-Ghost” by Eva Ibbotson Tuesday, November 10, 3;45-4:30 “A Single Shard” by Linda Sue Park Tuesday, December 8, 3:45-4:30 “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl
“Pizza and Pages” – a book group for grades 5-8, featuring pizza and books, discussion, games, and a raffle prize. Stop by the library to pick up a copy of the current book and let us know you are coming so we have enough pizza for everyone. Upcoming Meeting dates: Mondays, September 21, October 26, November 23, December 21. Time: 7:00 – 7:45. All programs are offered free of charge. Call to sign up today. Your book and movie suggestions are always welcome – let us know. See you at the Library! ~Lorreen M. Keating
Assistant Director & Youth Services Librarian NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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North Hampton Public Library News Summer Reading 2009 This year more than 85 children ages 3 to 13 completed the summer reading program. We had wild animals, magic, puppets, and the Museum of Science Boston here to entertain and educate one and all. A huge thank you to Bob Lee of the Beach Plum of North Hampton for the awesome gift card prizes, to the Great American Country Store for the very popular stuffed animals, and to Learning Express for their donation of toys and games. Congratulations to kids and families on a great summer of reading and fun. ~Lorreen M. Keating,
Youth Services Librarian Derek Small of NE Wildlife Encounters Traveling Zoo and American Alligator.
Martha Dana and Polar Bear serve up Summer Fun. Photo courtesy of Linda Sherouse.
Downloadable Audio Books my library, anytime Did you know you can download free audio books from the North Hampton Public Library’s website? Explore the growing collection of audio books and use your library card to download audio books to your computer, transfer them to a compatible portable player (i.e. iPod, Zen, Zune, etc.) or burn selected titles onto a CD for listening on the go. The library also has players to check out. Available 24/7, now your audio library is always open! Go to http://nhplib.org and click on the Download Audio Books icon. PAGE 10
NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
Kids enjoy sculpting clay sandcastles.
The North Hampton Public Library is now on Facebook and Twitter! Become a fan of the North Hampton Public Library page on Facebook. You can also follow us on Twitter (we are nhplib). Don’t forget to visit our website at nhplib.org for the latest library news.
FALL 2009
The Friends of the North Hampton Public Library The annual Friends of the Library Annual Membership Drive is now underway. Through your previous generous contributions, the Friends have been able to sponsor adult events such as the Genealogy Workshop and Sulgrave Manor Program. With your help, we sponsored the Summer Teen Reading Program. In addition to the sponsorships, your contributions have allowed us to refurnish the New Hampshire Room. Stop in to sit and read, look at NH archival material, browse through past magazines. Have you noticed the sign in front of the Library on Atlantic Avenue? That, too, is the result of your generous help. In addition, you have made it possible to provide passes for our Patrons to places such as Fuller Gardens, New Hampshire Children’s Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. Contributions may be mailed to Friends of the North Hampton Library, 237A Atlantic Avenue or dropped off at the Library. Remember Fuller Garden passes are available until the Gardens close mid-October. A lovely way to enjoy a beautiful setting on our Seacoast. Call the circulation desk to reserve the day you would like to use them. Are you interested in actively participating in the Friends? Call the Library for our next meeting date and time. We welcome new attendees and their ideas. ~Hope Miller and Suzette Miller co-chairs,
The Friends of North Hampton Public Library
North Hampton Public Library Benefits from JAG Program This summer, the North Hampton Library was fortunate to have Winnacunnet High School junior, Jasmine Carroll helping in the Library’s youth services department during our busy summer season. Jasmine helped with children’s programs and many daily tasks in the library such as shelving and processing new books. She was often the one changing the letters on our library sign out front. The summer position was supported through the Work Investment Act (WIA) Summer Youth Employment Program and funded through Federal Tax dollars via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The summer work program provided funding for paid work for teens in lower seacoast municipalities, schools, and agencies. The program was run through the Winnacunnet High School JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) program which supports youth in school, work, and life. For more information about the JAG program visit www.nh-jag.org or contact the JAG youth specialist, Megan Murtha at Winnacunnet High School.
New Programs for Fall at Centennial Hall The Seacoast Academy of Music (SAM) has added new programming and two new faculty members for Fall 2009. In addition to ongoing private lessons (piano, voice, guitar, brass, winds & strings) and jazz combos, SAM will add Little Fingers Piano Classes – group lessons for younger children – and Classical Guitar Ensemble. Feel free to give SAM a call at (603)964-3660 or visit www.seacoastacademyofmusic.org for more information. NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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From the Friends of the North Hampton Bandstand The Friends of the North Hampton Bandstand would like to thank the North Hampton residents who supported our Summer Concert Series. We, the Bandstand Committee, enjoyed bringing you a variety of music and hope you enjoyed our selections. This was our 14th season. We had two military bands, the N.H. National Guard’s 39th Army Band and the Air Force Band of Liberty. We had four children’s programs held every other Thursday morning and had a great turnout each week even though three of the programs had to be held inside due to wet weather. This didn’t dampen the spirit of the young children attending! We would like to thank our sponsors who make the programs possible. Funding to provide these concerts comes entirely from these individuals and businesses. Also, we appreciate your generosity as we “pass the bucket” during intermissions. As many of you know, there are NO tax dollars used for the maintenance of the bandstand and bringing these programs to you. All donations are tax deductible and may be made to “Friends of the North Hampton Bandstand”, PO Box 3, North Hampton 03862. The Masonic Lodge of Hampton would like to thank everyone for the support you have given them by purchasing their hot dogs, beans and tonic. They work very hard and use their profits for their lodge. The North Hampton Woman’s Club use their funds from the sale of cookies and brownies to give scholarship money to deserving seniors at WHS. This year we had the Friends of Centennial Hall on the green selling popcorn and the profits go to their effort to restore the hall. The efforts of these organizations make for a more enjoyable evening at the bandstand. As Chairman of the Operating Committee I would like to recognize the following members. Kendall Chevalier, Ed Hobby, Tamera Saal, Sarah Mahoney, Brian Chevalier and Deb Sillay. Please contact any one of the committee members with comments or suggestions.
~Sincerely, Delores Chase, Bandstand Committee
News from the North Hampton Energy Committee At the August Energy Committee Meeting, Mary Lou Wollmar reported that Peter Philbrook received a round of applause upon taking the podium before the board of selectmen to present the Committee’s Municipal Building Energy Audit. The report was well received and is available on the town website. It includes a list of recommendations which residents may find helpful in assessing their own energy conservation. On Sept 14th Steve Fournier has given us the opportunity to return to the BOS for an update on their progress re: NHEC Audit recommendations and offer assistance in the bid process. Plans for joining a 350.0rg Rally Round the World Event are underway for October 24th. Writer in Residence at Middlebury College, Bill McKibbon, has met groups in China, India, and Europe and everywhere people want their leaders to act now to commit to reducing our carbon and other noxious emissions. Scientists have announced that we are now at 390 (parts per million, carbon) and once over 350 the planet is not capable of sustaining itself as we know it. The costs of electricity will continue to rise and it is time the leaders who will meet in Denmark this December make substantial efforts and commit to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. We are making plans to gather at the Bandstand at 3:50pm, and hope to be able to ring out bells 350 times, joining over 1000 groups around the world. There will be pumpkin carving and a book sale during the day at the UCC Church so come early. Music (hopefully, weather permitting) and food will accompany the Ringing of the Bells. Walk, bicycle, or carpool to the center of town, and be sure and mark your calender. It may be the last time at the bandstand for our community to gather before the snow flies.
~Mary Lou Wollmar North Hampton Energy Committee PAGE 12
NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
FALL 2009
Recycling Center Information Florescent Bulbs: Are you replacing your florescent bulbs or have old ones laying around? Bring them to the Recycling Center for proper disposal. Do not break. Latex Paint: Did you know Latex paint is not hazardous when dry? Open cans of latex paint, mix with clumping kitty litter until paint is absorbed. Let dry. Leave label on can. Then dispose of dried can and lid in trash. Brush and Compost Area: From your efforts of bringing yard waste, brush and branches, the brush/ branches are chipped and the yard waste is composted. The chips and compost are available to residents at no charge. Saturday, November 26, will be the last day for this season for the Brush and Compost Area. UPCOMING RECYCLING ACTIVITIES *September 26 - Household Hazardous Waste Collection at the Brentwood Highway Department Garage from 9am-12:00 (noon). *October 17 - Bulky Item Collection at the Recycling Center. Hours 8:00am-5:00pm HOURS OPEN Recycling Center Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Brush and Compost Saturdays 8:00 AM-12:00, 12:30-4:00 PM. For additional information, call the Recycling Center (964-9825) or the DPW (964-6442). Come use our North Hampton Recycling Center!
PAL’s School Year Begins Parents Active in Learning (PAL) kicked off the school year last Thursday with the Back to School Picnic. The event was a great success and PAL wishes to thank all the volunteers for giving their time and greatly thank Aquarion Water Company for, once again, underwriting this event. We also greatly appreciate all the families attending the picnic. It is a joy to see the school community united in fun before the scholastic year begins. PAL will hold its first meeting of the school year on September 25, 2009 at NHS at 9:00. This meeting will open with a coffee social, allowing newcomers to meet existing PAL members and ask any questions they may have. All residents of North Hampton are considered members of PAL and we would love to have you attend. Though PAL’s success does depend on the work of many wonderful volunteers we also very much appreciate any community members who attends our meetings to show support and offer input when decisions need to be made. Every person in our community is important to PAL and whatever role you can play in this organization is so very greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or comments please contact Victoria Kilroy 964-5930 or Kim Glendon 964-1858. PAL’s officers for the 2009/2010 school year: Co-Chairs: Kim Glendon and Victoria Kilroy Treasurers: Margaret Jubb and Bridget Jenkins Secretary: Liz Pendexter Thank you and we hope to see you on Sept. 25th.
News from North Hampton School Board The North Hampton School Board would like to welcome all students and their families back to school! We look forward to collaborating with the administration, staff and community to ensure a positive and productive 2009-2010 school year. All School Board meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM in the school music room. Meetings are open to the public and the public is encouraged to attend. Meetings can also be seen on Channel 22 which is North Hampton’s local access station. North Hampton Community On Line posts all School Board meeting dates, times and agendas. The Board would also like to take this opportunity to extend its gratitude to Tara Rossi for her years of service at the North Hampton School. She will be missed by students, staff and community. Tara has assumed a principalship in Arlington, MA. We wish her much success in her new job. We would like to recognize PAL for all the effort put into organizing and running the very successful Back to School Picnic. It is a special way for our community to celebrate the start of a new school year.
~The North Hampton School Board, Kari Schmitz, Robert Copp, Janet Gorman, David Sarazen, Stacy Whittier NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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North Hampton Cub Scouts Pack 162 The Cub Scouts are gearing up for a fun-filled year! The boys can look forward to learning new skills, enjoying outdoor activities and forming new friendships. To kick off the year Pack 162 hosted a marshmallow archery station at the North Hampton School’s Back to School Picnic. Children aimed their “bow and arrow” marshmallow shooter and fired at the target to win prizes! Boys and girls cheered for each other and laughed as marshmallows flew! It was a fun way to kick off the school year and is a great example of the camaraderie and exciting activities of scouting! Our first Pack Meeting is coming up on Wednesday, September 16th at 6:45 pm in the North Hampton School Cafeteria. Families with boy’s grades 1 through 5 who are interested in learning more are encouraged attend. Please come and find out more about scouting where the activities are used to achieve the aims of Scouting: citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness. Pack 162 offers scholarships for any family having difficulty with registration and uniform costs. Along with the start of Pack and Den meetings, fall is Popcorn season for the scouts. This is our major fundraiser and allows us to provide a fun and exciting program for all of our scouts. If you see our Scouts out and about and you like popcorn please order away. We promise to put a smile on your face while supplying you with tasty treats. We will be doing both group sales at local stores and individual sales with scouts going door to door in their neighborhood. Feel free to contact us if you would like more information. Cub Scouts of Pack 162 Contact: Cubmaster Peter Philbrook 603-964-5930 [email protected] PAGE 14
NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
Sponsored by: The Town of North Hampton, North Hampton School Board, Friends of the Library, North Hampton Public Library, North Hampton, NH 03862
n i t y y u m o m m u n i t C e g t h h e C o m n i v l I n v o r m i n g t f o n I y b North Hampton Resident
Standard U.S. Postage PAID Permit No. 4
NORTH HAMPTON Community Newsletter SPONSORED BY: Friends of the Library, North Hampton Public Library, North Hampton School Board and the Town of North Hampton
N. Hampton School Begins its New School Year In This Issue N. Hampton School Begins its New School Year . . . . . . .1 Town of N. Hampton Reaches a Rate Settlement with Aquarion Water W ater Company . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .2 Agricultura Agricu lturall Comm Co mmission ission News . . . . .3 North Hampton Historical Society News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3 News from N. Hampton Rec . . . . . .4 News from United Church of Christ in North Hampton . . . . . .5 Fall Events in Health and Healing at the United Church of Christ . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5 Board of Selectmen News . . . . . . . . .6 Fall Concert: Music of South Africa . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6 Conservation Commission Update . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7 News from the North Hampton Women’ omen’ss Club Cl ub . . . . . . . . . .7 North Hampton Library Library News News . . . . . .8 Fall Programs for Youth at N. Hampton Library . . . . . . . . . . .9 Summer Reading 2009 . . . . . . . . . .10 Downloadable Audio Books . . . . .10 The N. Hampton Library is now on Facebook and Twitter! . . . . .10 Friends of the Library . . . . . . . . . . .11 N. Hampton Library Benefits from JAG Program . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 New Programs for Fall at Centennial Hall . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .11 From the Friends of the North Hampton Bandstand . . . . . . .12 News from the North Hampton Energy Committee . . . . . . . . . . . . . .12 Recycling Center Info . . . . . . . . . . .13 PAL’s PAL ’s School Schoo l Year Begins Beg ins . . . . . . . . .13 News from North Hampton School Board . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .13 North Hampton Cub Scouts Pack 162 . . . . . . . . . . . .14
Next Deadline WEDNESDAYY, DECEMBER 9, 2010 WEDNESDA
Newsletter Contacts Ro ssi, 964-5501 SCHOOL: Tara Rossi, TOWN: Lorreen Keating, 964-6326, [email protected]
The start of the 2009-2010 school year at North Hampton School was celebrated by students, parents, staff and community members at the Open House and Back to School Picnic sponsored by PAL on Thursday, August 27. Within our freshly scrubbed and gleaming school facility, students found their way to their new classrooms and were greeted warmly by their new teachers. Outside, under a perfect blue sky, everyone had the opportunity to reconnect with old and new friends Back to school picnic 2009 over barbequed hamburgers and hotat North Hampton School dogs. The music, the bouncy house, the playground, the volley ball court, and most importantly the dessert and information tents all contributed to a festive welcome of the new school year. Perfect weather again ushered the students off the bus and out of their cars on Monday, August 31 for the first day of school. Four hundred eighty-three students walked through the doors ready to begin a new learning journey with their teachers and peers. If faces at the end of the day were any prediction, this year promises to be one of our best! North Hampton School has some different faces this year as ten new interns and five new Educational Associates join the staff. We have also hired three new certified teachers: Michelle Kling in Grade 2, Susan Haight in Visual Arts K-4, and Trish Johnston in Grade 5. Be sure to introduce yourselves to all of us, whether we are returning or new staff members. We want to be sure you know us and the important work we are about in this school. To give you a taste of what we value, please read our newly adopted Mission Statement and Guiding Beliefs below. We hope you will join our community forum this fall to write the Vision that will align with these beliefs. Stay tuned for additional public information on this way of having a voice in your school.
MISSION: Education that empowers individuals to be caring, competent, responsible citizens who value learning as a lifelong process. GUIDING BELIEFS: • We We believe our school must be a healthy and safe environment both physically and emotionally for all. • We We believe we are educating individuals in the areas of academics, arts, civics and wellness; we will support and challenge each student to achieve his/her highest potential. • We We believe there is a shared responsibility and necessary collaboration among students, parents, educators, school board and community for advancing the school’s Mission, Guiding Beliefs and Vision with a commitment to continuous improvement. ~Jan Scipione, Assistant Principal NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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MUNICIPA L OFFICES 233 ATLANTIC AVENUE, NORTH HAMPTON, NH 03862 TEL: (603) 964-8087 FAX: (603) 964-1514
TOW N OF NORTH H A MPTON, NEW H A MPSHIR E
Town of North Hampton Reaches a Rate Settlement with Aquarion Water Company NORTH HAMPTON, NH -The Town of North Hampton is pleased to announce that it has reached a rate case settlement agreement with Aquarion Water Company of New Hampshire, the NH PUC staff, and the Office of Consumer Advocate. On July 14, 2009 the settlement was presented to the NH PUC for its review and approval. An order on the settlement proposal is expected within 30 to 60 days. The Town believes that the settlement will allow Aquarion to continue to modernize and maintain its system, while responding to its customers needs by reducing the requested rate increases. North Hampton had several objectives in the rate case: to limit the increase in hydrant fees, the address the inequity of ratepayers subsidizing the cost of seasonal water connections by summer residents (most of whom reside in Hampton and Rye) and to encourage the adoption of measures to address water conservation. Aquarion had proposed a 21% increase in public hydrant fee charges. The Town was successful limiting the increase in fire hydrant fees to 9.99% instead. This was the lowest increase of any customer class. This has been a contentious issue with the Town since it pays almost $250,000 in hydrant service fees. Aquarion has acknowledged that its seasonal water connection fee of $15 was not covering the actual cost (estimated at $44) of providing such service. The settlement calls for the seasonal water connection fee to increase to $44, with the new revenue to be dedicated to reduction of public hydrant rates. The settlement commits Aquarion to work with North Hampton and the other municipalities where it provides water service on issues related to water conservation. The Selectmen, the Water Commissioners and the town land use boards look forward to working constructively with Aquarion on strategies (land use regulations, building code revisions) that will encourage water conservation. North Hampton also joined with the Office of Consumer Advocate in supporting the company’s proposal for a Water Infrastructure and Conservation Adjustment Charge (WICA). This pilot program will run until the next rate case is presented (3-5 years) and will involve the company presenting to the parties a 3 year plan for capital improvements that address projects. For the first time, this will allow North Hampton and other parties an opportunity to review and comment on water infrastructure improvements before they are installed. North Hampton and the Office of Consumer Advocate sought to have the company move more quickly to install meters that can be read electronically from the street. This would allow for monthly billing, thereby providing customers with timely price signals on the costs of increased water usage during the summer. North Hampton and the Office of Consumer Advocate also supported the adoption of a system development charge (a typical charge when municipalities operate the water system), whereby those who wish to connect to the system pay a sum to buy into the investment that the long term customers have been making over the years in the system’s capacity to serve new customers. Consensus could not be reached on these issues with the PUC staff. North Hampton looks forward to seeing these measures implemented as part of a future rate proceeding. As always, the North Hampton Water Commission wants to remind everyone that the best way to offset any increase in the water rates is conservation. There are many simple things that you can do to conserve water and at the same time, conserve money.
~North Hampton Water Commission Henry Fuller, Co-Chair, Bob Landman, Co-Chair, Richard Bettcher, Timothy Harned PAGE 2
NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
FALL 2009
Agricultural Commission News The recently appointed Agricultural Commission members have been meeting once a month in the Town Clerk’s Office and are exploring methods of encouraging local agricultural production, awareness, and support. Fortunately, North Hampton Zoning regulations already do support agriculture throughout town and we still have a few farms that produce and sell agricultural products. We would like to create an inventory of what is available, so please let us know what you, in the community, are doing or would like to do with your land. Through efforts like community garden, school garden, backyard farming, and neighbors teaching neighbors, we hope to expand our agricultural basis. Our members have been learning to use the new Web Soil Survey data available from the US Dept. of Agriculture and the NH Natural Resources and Conservation Service. We have created soil maps for some of our properties and can do this for anyone in town who would like to have it. North Hampton now has an Organic Grocery Delivery Service operated by Jeffery Schick (www.waithakafarm.com). Jeffery will deliver fresh, locally grown, organic meat and produce, as well as nationally grown organic products, from his immaculate facility to your doorstep every week (800 714 4147). Also Farmer’s Markets are a wonderful place to shop and Seacoast Growers Association sponsors the Dover, Durham, Exeter, Hampton, Kingston, Portsmouth, and Rye Farmers’ Market. There is a Farmers’ Market at one of these locations each day of the week. For further information, check the following websites: www.seacoastgrowers.org, www.seacoastharvest.org, www.nhfma.org, www.localharvest.org. Our Invitation We would like to invite members of the community to a showing of the documentary, “Fresh”, which we will be sponsoring at the Library on Tuesday September 22nd and again on Friday September 25 th at 7:30pm. It is a well researched presentation covering the status of the food industry in the US. In addition, the Portsmouth Music Hall will feature the movie “Food Inc.” on Thursday, September 24th. This film documents our highly mechanized, sometime cruel, and genetically altered, food supply and the corporations that control it.
We hope you can join us. Our members include: Robert Copp ([email protected]), Dieter Ebert ([email protected]), Cindy Jenkins ([email protected]), Walter Nordstrom ([email protected]), and Dick Wollmar (org [email protected])
North Hampton Historical Society News The fall season of public programs begins on Monday, September 21st at 7pm at The United Church of Christ. This program will be presented by Clayton Willoughby who sings old time music, such as Rudy Vallee songs. On Monday October 19th UNH Associate Professor Robert Macieski, will present a program on “Child Labor”. The program for Monday, November 16 will be “Lighthouses, Legends and Mysteries” by Bill Thompson. All programs will be held at the United Church of Christ of North Hampton beginning at 7:00pm. In December we will have our annual Christmas Party for members only. If your family has roots in North Hampton dating back more than a century, you might find interesting new information about them in a brand-new transcription of North Hampton’s earliest church and town records. More than a decade in the making, this book is the first of three planned volumes and offers birth, marriage and death records as far back as 1738. These records are from the very earliest days of the settlement and four years before the Town was incorporated. Of particular interest are the deaths recorded by North Hampton’s long-time minister, The Rev. Dr. Jonathan French between the years 1801-1852. After transcribing the records, the book’s authors, Susannah Clark and Richard Curl, checked them against the manuscripts as many as six times to ensure accuracy. They preserved the spelling and formatting as much as possible to give the book a flavor of what the original documents are like. More than fifty pages of indexes include married and maiden names, as well as indexes of places and of the professionals – clergymen, town clerks, doctors and even reporters who submitted information listed in the records. The book can be ordered for $15.00 plus $5.00 shipping by emailing [email protected] on Ebay. To learn more about North Hampton’s history, visit www.northahmptonhistory.org Recently, we lost a long time dedicated member and dear friend, Forest Griffin. We will all miss him.
~Beverley J. Frenette, Vice President, North Hampton Historical Society NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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News from North Hampton Recreation Summer Gone Past...The theme for this summer seemed to be “stop and smell the flowers.” Although it was quite busy with camps like surf camp, which had to be rescheduled due to flat waves, and soccer camp, where the heat just slowed down everyone’s pace, including the campers. Programs canceled were: Lacrosse camp & Baseball & Softball camp. Summer Rec Camp went off without a hitch; the staff setting the relaxing yet entertaining tone, with the campers following suit; everyone enjoyed each other’s company. Summer Rec Camp consists of three camps within one: Full time, Part time with one field trip weekly, and part time only, where the campers opt for the camp only package. I would like to take a few minutes and thank each counselor, and the Camp’s directors, Geoff Miller and KC Smith, Head Counselor, Conor Cullinane, for yet another fabulous camp! Special Thanks to: Kevin Donohoe, Becca Kisner, Eric Carroll, Julia Panopoulos, Brendan Barry, Michael Worrell, Kevin Gnecco, Kelsey Farrell, Jillian Sarazen, Maddy Gaffey, Drew Rocco, Ryan Flagg, Heather Laroche, Alex Provencal, Alex Seaton, Tony Facella, and Caitlin Terry. The time and energy that you spent this summer as a camp counselor made a difference in the lives of the children who attended. Little Nippers was moved from Dearborn Park to the school and was run by KC Smith and Karen Donohoe, who just at the age of sixteen, has shown true leadership qualities. Curious Creatures visited with a plethora of animals; a bunny, a python, a chinchilla, and a program called Dancing the Story off the Pages visited during each session. Next year, with the addition of the recreation van, they will be able to visit the Green and enjoy the children’s musicians that the Bandstand Committee offer’s each summer for the children. Thanks to the Little Nippers Staff: Emma Hayden, Ashley Maclaughlin, Dan Sullivan & Jack Place. Thank you to Sandy Dewing for helping me with the tasks of researching and presentation of the purchase of the Recreation van to the Select Board members. Also, a thank you to the Recreation Commissioners for their continued support. Sponsors: Without their continued support, there are many children in North Hampton who would not be able to attend summer rec camp. Many of our recipients live in single parent homes and with the current economic crisis, every bit counted! A VERY special thanks to Patrick Walsh and Meredith Arnold, of Ocean Properties, who have been more than helpful whenever the need a rose or when I fell short of a monetary goal- they always step up! Ocean Properties was also our camp tee shirt sponsor as well as donating to the scholarship fund. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Thank you to the Rockingham County Incentive Fund, The Fuller Foundation, Judy Day & Larry Miller, Lamprey Brothers, Paul McInnis, Bentley by the Sea RE, Luck Enterprises, Prime Acura North, Rt. 1 Self-Storage, Sagamore-Hampton Golf, North Hampton Drywall, Hiltunen, Nash & Maguire. Dearborn Park Playground: Well, the structure is finally in! We will not be putting up the shades until the springtime due to the incoming cold weather. Thank you to the Robie Mackin Charitable Foundation for their generous donation that will be enjoyed in the upcoming years! Adult Programs: Coed Softball League: teams were Bella Rose, The Bullets, Seacoast Harley, The Beach Plum, RB Allen, FA Gray. Bella Rose was the first place team during the summer season and FA Gray won the end of the season tourney. Men’s Over 35 Hoop: Teams were Team Ferrari, Latitude Sports Clubs, Team Sydney and Team Anderson. Team Ferrari (Blue team) was the first place team during the season and Latitude sports Club won the end of season tourney. Upcoming Fall Programs: PASA: Programs for Active Senior Adults. We are currently in the process of forming a group that will meet for trips or other activities. Trips to Lee, NH to visit the Flag Hill Winery
...continued on page 5 PAGE 4
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FALL 2009
News from North Hampton Recreation continued from page 4 are in the process of being planned. For more information on how to join the group, please call Diane at 964-3170, I would be more than happy to share information and listen to suggestions. Adult Programs: Celtics trips, Coed Floor Hockey, and Men’s Over 35 Hoop League, Zumba and Belly Dancing. Afterschool: Coyote Club, Fencing, Archery, Street Hockey, Intramural Volleyball, Homework Clubs for grades 4-8th, Piano Lessons First tee, Tennis, Weird Science with Seacoast Science Center, and sign ups for Gunstock Ski Club begins Monday September 14. Events: Healthy U on Saturday, September 26 at NHS from 2-5pm, Trick or treatin’ at the Fire Station is Friday, October 30, 2009 from 4-7pm & Breakfast with Santa on Saturday, December 12, from 9am-11:30am held at the Old Town Hall.
~Diane Wheeler, Director, North Hampton Recreation
News from United Church of Christ in North Hampton This fall we look forward to moving back to North Hill Parish, affectionately known as the “Big Church” at 295 Atlantic Avenue. We are excited to share our celebration and rededication of our newly renovated sanctuary on September 13th at 10am with the North Hampton Community. If you cannot join us at that time we have other opportunities this fall that we hope you can come and enjoy.
SEPTEMBER 25, 7:30PM New Organ Dedication Concert OCTOBER 17, 6:30PM Matimba Choral Concert OCTOBER 24, 10AM TO 3PM Book Sale and Pumpkin Carving NOVEMBER 6, TIME TBD Pops Concert by No. Hampton Choir NOVEMBER 7, 9AM TO 3PM Ladies Union Fall Fair NOVEMBER 14, 5PM Ham & Bean Supper ~Ellen Dozet, Office Manager
Fall Events in Health and Healing at the United Church of Christ 1. Healing Circle- resumes the third Wednesday of each month from 7-8:30pm in the vestry- Sept. 18, Oct. 21, Nov. 17, 2009. The evening will begin and end with a gathering circle. The seacoast community is warmly welcomed. 2. American Red Cross Community Blood Donor Drive- Friday, Sept. 18, 2009, 2-7pm - Call Janet Sanborn Faith Community Nurse 964-8568 if interested in more information or contact The American Red Cross Blood Services at 1-800-262-2660. 3. Fitness Group resumes on Thursday mornings from 9-10am in the vestry starting in October with Marcia Forrest PT. See Marcia to register (964-6005) and for the specific starting date. No charge. Donations accepted. 4. Foot Clinic- Thursday, September 10, 2009, 11-3:30- Please note date as it has changed. This service is offered by the Seacoast Visiting Nurses in North Hampton which has recently merged with Home Health VNA in Lawrence Massachusetts. You may schedule an appointment by calling the Seacoast VNA @ 926-2066. 5. Pathways “Gentle and Wellness Yoga”. Two five-week sessions will be available from September 10th through November 19th on Thursdays from 5:30-6:30pm. Kathy Ullrich Certified Yoga Instructor will lead the sessions. Cost is 40.00 for 5 weeks paid in advance or $10.00 per week. The class is for beginners as well as students who wish to practice a thoughtful, gentle style yoga. Call Kathy for more information and to register at 817-8341 or email [email protected]. 6. Health Forums - Save the Dates • Sunday October 25th, 2009 11:45am following worship. “Mental Health and Wellbeing” Dr. Mark Watts D.Min.CGP. and Licensed Pastoral Psychotherapist plans to identify common mental health conditions, as depression and stress, their signs and symptoms, and how to get help. We ask that you sign- up in advance so that we can provide enough food and materials. Contact Janet Sanborn RN, FCN @ 964-8568 or the Church Office 964-8687. • Sunday, Nov. 8, 2009 11:45am following worship. “Emergency Preparedness for the Family”- Susan Staples,Vista volunteer for the Great Bay Chapter of the American Red Cross, will discuss the role of the American Red Cross in community outreach throughout the state and how families can be prepared in a crisis. Please sign-up in advance by calling 964-8568 or the Church office at 964-8687. A light lunch will be served. NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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Board of Selectmen News The last few months have been encouraging for the Town of North Hampton despite the difficult economic times locally and nationally. The Select Board has worked to move forward on several fronts. Fiscal responsibility and long range planning have been common themes. The Town’s finances are in good condition. Town Treasurer, Penny Holbert, interim Finance Director, Douglas Smith and Town Accountant, Tom McCormick, report that all deposit accounts are now compliant with the Town’s investment policy. They are well collateralized and earning very competitive interest rates. Further, we are audit ready, which should result in savings for the Town. Town Clerk - Tax Collector Susan Buchanan, tells us that property tax revenues are coming in at or above expectations. Finally, the department heads are to be commended on their efforts to control costs through good management of overtime and other belt tightening strategies. On the labor front, the Town has successfully negotiated one year contracts with the North Hampton Fire Fighters and with the Teamsters, which represents the police officers and public works employees. A one year contract reflects a recognition by all that in these uncertain economic times a conservative approach to labor contracts is in everyone’s best interest. Work progresses on the Old Town Hall. Recently, extensive roof repairs have been completed. The exterior of the building was painted by the crews of the two submarines that the Town is hosting, the USS Dallas and the NR-1. The Town has benefited from being a host community for the submarine crews and, hopefully, the officers and sailors have enjoyed our hospitality. The Board has issued a request for proposals to do long range planning for the Town campus. The Board voted to expend not more than $70,000.00 from the Town Building Facility capital reserve fund for this project. Assuming an acceptable proposal is received, there will be no effect on the tax rate as these monies have already been appropriated. The purpose of the study is to update and coordinate earlier studies. Recent studies performed by Municipal Resources, Inc. of the police department and the fire department were done independently. These recommendations need to be considered in the context of each other and in the context of earlier studies going back to 2001. The Board believes the timing is right because of the potential to receive federal stimulus money for projects that are “shovel ready” and because contract bids for work reflect the downturn in the economy and the fact that labor supply exceeds labor demand. The Energy Committee completed a thorough energy audit of all Town Facilities. This audit examined the facilities and pointed out areas that the buildings can become more efficient. The Director of Public Works has begun to implement these recommendations. On September 1, the Town saw its long time Fire Chief Tom Lambert retire after three decades of distinguished service. The Select Board would like to take this opportunity to thank Tom for his years of dedicated service. In addition, we would like to thank Tom’s family for their patience during all of these years while he served the Town. The Select Board will begin an extensive search for a new Fire Chief this fall. Until a replacement is found, Deputy Fire Chief Dennis Cote will be Acting Fire Chief. As usual the Board and the Town Administrator, Steve Fournier, welcome public input, questions and comments. We thank all our hardworking town employees. As we transition from summer into fall and winter let’s remember that the children are back in school and take extra care on our highways.
~Craig Salomon, Chair, Michael Coutu, Vice Chair, Jon Rineman, Member
Fall Concert: Music of South Africa On Saturday October 17, at 6:30 PM, Boston’s premier South African music ensemble will present a benefit concert at the United Church of Christ, North Hampton. Matimba ya Ripfumelo (The Power of Hope), founded by Teboho Moeno, is comprised of sixteen members, each of whom has suffered the loss of friends and family members to South Africa’s devastating HIV/AIDS epidemic. The concert is given to raise funds for Tremendous Hearts, a start-up non-profit organization that places and supports volunteers in South Africa to provide service to the orphans and vulnerable children there. To view pictures of Matimba, or to hear selections of their music, go to www.myspace.com/matimbayaripfumelo1. Tickets for the concert are $15 for adults and $5 for children under 12. They may be purchased online at www.tremendoushearts.org or at the door. For further information e-mail or call Jane Boesch, [email protected] or 964-8284. PAGE 6
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FALL 2009
Conservation Commission Update During this summer, several new projects were initiated by the Conservation Commission. Highlighted below are some of our recent accomplishments: Dalton Town Forest Entrance Improvements and Timber Harvest Under the direction of Conservation Commission member Stan Knowles, we completed the Town Forest’s procurement work and entrance upgrades to permit our first timber harvest. In July, with the support of the North Hampton Public Works Department, we widened the entrance to the Town Forest and placed a new culvert at the entrance off Exeter Road. This was done to allow equipment to enter the Forest for the timber harvest. Subsequently, we placed gravel fill in a low area and cleared trees near the entrance to allow access by logging equipment to a lay-down area for the timber. The timber harvest began in early August under the direction of licensed Forester, David Dillaire, who wrote the Forest Management Plan, with oversight provided by Stan, who is also a licensed career Forester and the Town’s Tree Warden. The timber harvest was conducted to selectively remove trees to enhance the remaining standing timber growth and to produce revenue from the sale of timber. The sale of approximately 30,000 board-feet of harvested timber will result in revenues of about $4,000 to the Dalton Town Forest account. Little River and Winnicut River Watershed Projects The Commission has been working closely with the NH DES to conduct watershed assessments for both the Little River and the Winnicut River. Subsequent to a red dye test at the North Hampton Beach area, it was found that contamination is flowing from the Little River into ocean near the beach. Testing has indicated elevated levels of e-coli bacteria in the river. The DES has listed the Little River as an impaired waterway and as an issue of concern. As a result, the DES will begin a water testing program in late summer-early fall along the Little River watershed to identify sources of bacterial and other types of contamination. Suspected sources of contamination include septic system failures and surface water runoff with lawn fertilizers and hydrocarbons from homes and businesses near the river. Subsequently, after sources have been confirmed, the DES will initiate enforcement actions, as needed, to mitigate continued bacterial contamination. Project work is also proceeding to conduct a watershed assessment of the Winnicut River. The Commission is supporting the efforts of Mr. Colin Lawson, who is working on his doctoral degree, and the DES for a grant application to EPA to conduct the assessment. The Winnicut River has been identified as a likely impaired waterway, so the first step will be to conduct water testing in several North Hampton locations along the river. It is critically important to conduct the tests in North Hampton, since the river’s headwaters are here, it flows near an Aquarion drinking water well off Winnicut Road and the river empties into the environmentally sensitive Great Bat Estuary. Our goal in both of these important projects is to take proactive actions to curtail the continued and potential contamination of these rivers. Thank You’s The Commission wishes to thank several people for their support this past summer: First, we thank John Hubbard and his staff for their assistance on upgrading the entrance to the Town Forest and delivering gravel to the site for entrance road improvements. Second, we thank Kendall Chevalier for supplying surplus cemetery gravel for the Town Forest improvements. We also thank Alan and Linda Polansky for donating a picnic table which was placed by the Public Works Department inside the entrance to the Town Hiking Trail off Buckskin Lane. We also wish to thank Mr. Neil Moore for donating a land parcel near Nilus Brook for conservation. Finally, we thank Stan Knowles for his diligence and expertise in managing the efforts for the Town Forest improvements and the timber harvest. ~Chris Ganotis, Chairman
News from the North Hampton Women’s Club The North Hampton Woman’s Club gives our thanks to everyone who supported the cookie sales at this summer’s Bandstand Concerts. Our scholarship program has been funded for another year. This year’s recipient was Katherine (Kate) Driscoll. On October 7th we shall have a picnic lunch at the Great Bay Discovery Center at Sandy Point. The program for November 4th will be American Quilt Traditions presented by guest speaker Cheryl Savageau. December 2nd will bring one of our annual highlights: the Winnacunnet High Chamber Singers directed by Patrick Moore. For more information call Jean Pepple at 964-1179. NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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North Hampton Public Library News The Ogden Nash birthday celebration sponsored by the library was a huge success and enjoyed by many. A tour of the Nash home at 9 Atlantic Avenue was graciously hosted by Bob & Sherry Lauter and was followed by the Pontine Theatre’s performance of “Home is Heaven” to an audience of about 60 people at North Hampton School. John Brady, who hosts a blog devoted to Ogden Nash called “Blogden Nash” traveled from New Jersey to take part in the celebration. He shared with the audience his love of the writer’s works and how his writings are still affecting many today. Also shared with the audience were some recollections of Frances Smith, Nash’s granddaughter, and a reading of the poem “I Didn’t Go to Church Today” which was suggested by Linnell Nash Smith as a fitting introduction to the evening’s performance. We want to thank the Lauters for their kindness and generosity in opening their home again to the The Ogden Nash home at 9 Atlantic Avenue community and for taking donations for the tour which were given to the library. The library would like to compile local memories, anecdotes, and stories of Ogden Nash. Please share your memories by emailing them to us at [email protected] or mailing them in to North Hampton Public Library, 237A Atlantic Avenue, North Hampton, NH 03862. “Murder & Mystery on the Isles of Shoals” Join us Wednesday September 30th at 7pm with Ann Beattie who will mesmerize us all with tales of murder and mystery on the Isles of Shoals. Ann is the president of the Isles of Shoals Historical and Research Association and discussed the Isles of Shoals at the library in April. We enjoyed her presentation so much we invited her back to do another program - this time relating to the mystery and intrigue surrounding the Isles of Shoals. This program promises to be as interesting and entertaining as the last and the program is free and open to the public as usual. Bob and Sherry Lauter, Refreshments will be served. owners of the Nash Home The New Hampshire Room is in the final stages of being transformed into a quiet reading area. It will still do double duty as a repository of historical records and as a meeting room, but when it isn’t being used as such, it will be available for quiet reading and enjoyment. You may have noticed new chairs and we will finish the room with a table and lamp. Feel free to take your newspaper or book into the NH Room and enjoy the quiet. Researchers may still use the room and others may hold meetings as usual. Don’t be surprised if you will be able to grab a cup of coffee while you peruse the Globe. Don’t forget the library offers two book clubs. One is during the day every 2nd Thursday of the month at 2pm. The Sunset Book Club meets in the evening at 7pm once a month - normally on a Wednesday night. Our website lists the current selections and dates, or you can call the library. We’re also on Facebook and Twitter. Every Wednesday afternoon at 2pm the library shows a video series from the Great Courses produced by the Teaching Company. Currently showing is the series “Dutch Masters: The Age of Rembrandt” an art series that will go until October. The next afternoon series will be “Great American Music: Broadway Musicals” taught by Professor Bill Messenger of the Peabody Institute of the Johns Hopkins University. This series will consist of sixteen 45 minute lectures and will span the Minstrel Era down to the present.
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NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
FALL 2009
North Hampton Public Library News
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Read Free or Die! Banned Book Week - September 26 to October 3rd The following statement from the ALA relates the role of public libraries in the community. “The American Library Association actively advocates in defense of the rights of library users to read, seek information, and speak freely as guaranteed by the First Amendment. A publicly supported library provides free and equal access to information for all people of that community. We enjoy this basic right in our democratic society.” North Hampton Public Library will have special displays and information in the library during Banned Book Week about intellectual freedom and the right to read. FYI: North Hampton residents are using the library more than ever! Overall circulation increased 8% this past year. Adult fiction circulation has increased 9% and adult DVD’s a whopping 33%. With the cost of renting videos and buying new books on the rise, the library is a frequent stop for a movie or bestseller. Feel free to stop by and make suggestions for book and movie purchases for the library.
~Susan Grant, Library Director
Fall Programs for Youth at North Hampton Library Pre School Story Time Pre-registration is required for Story Times. Call or stop by the library to register.
Two’s Time - ages 18 months to 36 months – Tuesdays at 10:00am. Starts Tuesday, September 22 and ends Tuesday December 8th. Ages 3-6 – Wednesdays 10:15am. Starts Tuesday September 23 and ends Tuesday December 16th.
Pajama Story Time: First Monday of every month at 6:30pm. We will finish by 7:00pm. All ages are invited for stories, songs, music, and rhymes. Wear your pajamas and bring a favorite stuffed animal. No registration is required. Monday, October 5th at 6:30 Monday, November 9th at 6:30 Monday, December 7th at 6:30
“Book Bunch” - After School Fun for children in grades K and up. “Book Bunch” features books and activities. Registration is required for Book Bunch. Program meets Thursdays: September 24, October 22, November 12 and December 17 from 3:45 -4:30.
“Crafty Kids” - Crafts for K and up. Meets one Wednesday a month from 3:30 – 4:30. September 16, October 14, November 18 and December 9. Sign up is required. Limited to 15.
Literary Lions – A book group for students in grades 4-5 (and capable 3rd grade readers). Upcoming meetings and book are: Tuesday, September 22, 3:45-4:30 “Sideways Stories from Wayside School” by Louis Sachar Tuesday, October 13, 3:45-4:30 “Dial-a-Ghost” by Eva Ibbotson Tuesday, November 10, 3;45-4:30 “A Single Shard” by Linda Sue Park Tuesday, December 8, 3:45-4:30 “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory” by Roald Dahl
“Pizza and Pages” – a book group for grades 5-8, featuring pizza and books, discussion, games, and a raffle prize. Stop by the library to pick up a copy of the current book and let us know you are coming so we have enough pizza for everyone. Upcoming Meeting dates: Mondays, September 21, October 26, November 23, December 21. Time: 7:00 – 7:45. All programs are offered free of charge. Call to sign up today. Your book and movie suggestions are always welcome – let us know. See you at the Library! ~Lorreen M. Keating
Assistant Director & Youth Services Librarian NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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FALL 2009
North Hampton Public Library News Summer Reading 2009 This year more than 85 children ages 3 to 13 completed the summer reading program. We had wild animals, magic, puppets, and the Museum of Science Boston here to entertain and educate one and all. A huge thank you to Bob Lee of the Beach Plum of North Hampton for the awesome gift card prizes, to the Great American Country Store for the very popular stuffed animals, and to Learning Express for their donation of toys and games. Congratulations to kids and families on a great summer of reading and fun. ~Lorreen M. Keating,
Youth Services Librarian Derek Small of NE Wildlife Encounters Traveling Zoo and American Alligator.
Martha Dana and Polar Bear serve up Summer Fun. Photo courtesy of Linda Sherouse.
Downloadable Audio Books my library, anytime Did you know you can download free audio books from the North Hampton Public Library’s website? Explore the growing collection of audio books and use your library card to download audio books to your computer, transfer them to a compatible portable player (i.e. iPod, Zen, Zune, etc.) or burn selected titles onto a CD for listening on the go. The library also has players to check out. Available 24/7, now your audio library is always open! Go to http://nhplib.org and click on the Download Audio Books icon. PAGE 10
NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
Kids enjoy sculpting clay sandcastles.
The North Hampton Public Library is now on Facebook and Twitter! Become a fan of the North Hampton Public Library page on Facebook. You can also follow us on Twitter (we are nhplib). Don’t forget to visit our website at nhplib.org for the latest library news.
FALL 2009
The Friends of the North Hampton Public Library The annual Friends of the Library Annual Membership Drive is now underway. Through your previous generous contributions, the Friends have been able to sponsor adult events such as the Genealogy Workshop and Sulgrave Manor Program. With your help, we sponsored the Summer Teen Reading Program. In addition to the sponsorships, your contributions have allowed us to refurnish the New Hampshire Room. Stop in to sit and read, look at NH archival material, browse through past magazines. Have you noticed the sign in front of the Library on Atlantic Avenue? That, too, is the result of your generous help. In addition, you have made it possible to provide passes for our Patrons to places such as Fuller Gardens, New Hampshire Children’s Museum and the Museum of Fine Arts. Contributions may be mailed to Friends of the North Hampton Library, 237A Atlantic Avenue or dropped off at the Library. Remember Fuller Garden passes are available until the Gardens close mid-October. A lovely way to enjoy a beautiful setting on our Seacoast. Call the circulation desk to reserve the day you would like to use them. Are you interested in actively participating in the Friends? Call the Library for our next meeting date and time. We welcome new attendees and their ideas. ~Hope Miller and Suzette Miller co-chairs,
The Friends of North Hampton Public Library
North Hampton Public Library Benefits from JAG Program This summer, the North Hampton Library was fortunate to have Winnacunnet High School junior, Jasmine Carroll helping in the Library’s youth services department during our busy summer season. Jasmine helped with children’s programs and many daily tasks in the library such as shelving and processing new books. She was often the one changing the letters on our library sign out front. The summer position was supported through the Work Investment Act (WIA) Summer Youth Employment Program and funded through Federal Tax dollars via the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The summer work program provided funding for paid work for teens in lower seacoast municipalities, schools, and agencies. The program was run through the Winnacunnet High School JAG (Jobs for America’s Graduates) program which supports youth in school, work, and life. For more information about the JAG program visit www.nh-jag.org or contact the JAG youth specialist, Megan Murtha at Winnacunnet High School.
New Programs for Fall at Centennial Hall The Seacoast Academy of Music (SAM) has added new programming and two new faculty members for Fall 2009. In addition to ongoing private lessons (piano, voice, guitar, brass, winds & strings) and jazz combos, SAM will add Little Fingers Piano Classes – group lessons for younger children – and Classical Guitar Ensemble. Feel free to give SAM a call at (603)964-3660 or visit www.seacoastacademyofmusic.org for more information. NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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From the Friends of the North Hampton Bandstand The Friends of the North Hampton Bandstand would like to thank the North Hampton residents who supported our Summer Concert Series. We, the Bandstand Committee, enjoyed bringing you a variety of music and hope you enjoyed our selections. This was our 14th season. We had two military bands, the N.H. National Guard’s 39th Army Band and the Air Force Band of Liberty. We had four children’s programs held every other Thursday morning and had a great turnout each week even though three of the programs had to be held inside due to wet weather. This didn’t dampen the spirit of the young children attending! We would like to thank our sponsors who make the programs possible. Funding to provide these concerts comes entirely from these individuals and businesses. Also, we appreciate your generosity as we “pass the bucket” during intermissions. As many of you know, there are NO tax dollars used for the maintenance of the bandstand and bringing these programs to you. All donations are tax deductible and may be made to “Friends of the North Hampton Bandstand”, PO Box 3, North Hampton 03862. The Masonic Lodge of Hampton would like to thank everyone for the support you have given them by purchasing their hot dogs, beans and tonic. They work very hard and use their profits for their lodge. The North Hampton Woman’s Club use their funds from the sale of cookies and brownies to give scholarship money to deserving seniors at WHS. This year we had the Friends of Centennial Hall on the green selling popcorn and the profits go to their effort to restore the hall. The efforts of these organizations make for a more enjoyable evening at the bandstand. As Chairman of the Operating Committee I would like to recognize the following members. Kendall Chevalier, Ed Hobby, Tamera Saal, Sarah Mahoney, Brian Chevalier and Deb Sillay. Please contact any one of the committee members with comments or suggestions.
~Sincerely, Delores Chase, Bandstand Committee
News from the North Hampton Energy Committee At the August Energy Committee Meeting, Mary Lou Wollmar reported that Peter Philbrook received a round of applause upon taking the podium before the board of selectmen to present the Committee’s Municipal Building Energy Audit. The report was well received and is available on the town website. It includes a list of recommendations which residents may find helpful in assessing their own energy conservation. On Sept 14th Steve Fournier has given us the opportunity to return to the BOS for an update on their progress re: NHEC Audit recommendations and offer assistance in the bid process. Plans for joining a 350.0rg Rally Round the World Event are underway for October 24th. Writer in Residence at Middlebury College, Bill McKibbon, has met groups in China, India, and Europe and everywhere people want their leaders to act now to commit to reducing our carbon and other noxious emissions. Scientists have announced that we are now at 390 (parts per million, carbon) and once over 350 the planet is not capable of sustaining itself as we know it. The costs of electricity will continue to rise and it is time the leaders who will meet in Denmark this December make substantial efforts and commit to reducing our reliance on fossil fuels. We are making plans to gather at the Bandstand at 3:50pm, and hope to be able to ring out bells 350 times, joining over 1000 groups around the world. There will be pumpkin carving and a book sale during the day at the UCC Church so come early. Music (hopefully, weather permitting) and food will accompany the Ringing of the Bells. Walk, bicycle, or carpool to the center of town, and be sure and mark your calender. It may be the last time at the bandstand for our community to gather before the snow flies.
~Mary Lou Wollmar North Hampton Energy Committee PAGE 12
NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
FALL 2009
Recycling Center Information Florescent Bulbs: Are you replacing your florescent bulbs or have old ones laying around? Bring them to the Recycling Center for proper disposal. Do not break. Latex Paint: Did you know Latex paint is not hazardous when dry? Open cans of latex paint, mix with clumping kitty litter until paint is absorbed. Let dry. Leave label on can. Then dispose of dried can and lid in trash. Brush and Compost Area: From your efforts of bringing yard waste, brush and branches, the brush/ branches are chipped and the yard waste is composted. The chips and compost are available to residents at no charge. Saturday, November 26, will be the last day for this season for the Brush and Compost Area. UPCOMING RECYCLING ACTIVITIES *September 26 - Household Hazardous Waste Collection at the Brentwood Highway Department Garage from 9am-12:00 (noon). *October 17 - Bulky Item Collection at the Recycling Center. Hours 8:00am-5:00pm HOURS OPEN Recycling Center Wednesdays and Saturdays from 8:00 AM-5:00 PM. Brush and Compost Saturdays 8:00 AM-12:00, 12:30-4:00 PM. For additional information, call the Recycling Center (964-9825) or the DPW (964-6442). Come use our North Hampton Recycling Center!
PAL’s School Year Begins Parents Active in Learning (PAL) kicked off the school year last Thursday with the Back to School Picnic. The event was a great success and PAL wishes to thank all the volunteers for giving their time and greatly thank Aquarion Water Company for, once again, underwriting this event. We also greatly appreciate all the families attending the picnic. It is a joy to see the school community united in fun before the scholastic year begins. PAL will hold its first meeting of the school year on September 25, 2009 at NHS at 9:00. This meeting will open with a coffee social, allowing newcomers to meet existing PAL members and ask any questions they may have. All residents of North Hampton are considered members of PAL and we would love to have you attend. Though PAL’s success does depend on the work of many wonderful volunteers we also very much appreciate any community members who attends our meetings to show support and offer input when decisions need to be made. Every person in our community is important to PAL and whatever role you can play in this organization is so very greatly appreciated. If you have any questions or comments please contact Victoria Kilroy 964-5930 or Kim Glendon 964-1858. PAL’s officers for the 2009/2010 school year: Co-Chairs: Kim Glendon and Victoria Kilroy Treasurers: Margaret Jubb and Bridget Jenkins Secretary: Liz Pendexter Thank you and we hope to see you on Sept. 25th.
News from North Hampton School Board The North Hampton School Board would like to welcome all students and their families back to school! We look forward to collaborating with the administration, staff and community to ensure a positive and productive 2009-2010 school year. All School Board meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month at 7:00 PM in the school music room. Meetings are open to the public and the public is encouraged to attend. Meetings can also be seen on Channel 22 which is North Hampton’s local access station. North Hampton Community On Line posts all School Board meeting dates, times and agendas. The Board would also like to take this opportunity to extend its gratitude to Tara Rossi for her years of service at the North Hampton School. She will be missed by students, staff and community. Tara has assumed a principalship in Arlington, MA. We wish her much success in her new job. We would like to recognize PAL for all the effort put into organizing and running the very successful Back to School Picnic. It is a special way for our community to celebrate the start of a new school year.
~The North Hampton School Board, Kari Schmitz, Robert Copp, Janet Gorman, David Sarazen, Stacy Whittier NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
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FALL 2009
North Hampton Cub Scouts Pack 162 The Cub Scouts are gearing up for a fun-filled year! The boys can look forward to learning new skills, enjoying outdoor activities and forming new friendships. To kick off the year Pack 162 hosted a marshmallow archery station at the North Hampton School’s Back to School Picnic. Children aimed their “bow and arrow” marshmallow shooter and fired at the target to win prizes! Boys and girls cheered for each other and laughed as marshmallows flew! It was a fun way to kick off the school year and is a great example of the camaraderie and exciting activities of scouting! Our first Pack Meeting is coming up on Wednesday, September 16th at 6:45 pm in the North Hampton School Cafeteria. Families with boy’s grades 1 through 5 who are interested in learning more are encouraged attend. Please come and find out more about scouting where the activities are used to achieve the aims of Scouting: citizenship training, character development, and personal fitness. Pack 162 offers scholarships for any family having difficulty with registration and uniform costs. Along with the start of Pack and Den meetings, fall is Popcorn season for the scouts. This is our major fundraiser and allows us to provide a fun and exciting program for all of our scouts. If you see our Scouts out and about and you like popcorn please order away. We promise to put a smile on your face while supplying you with tasty treats. We will be doing both group sales at local stores and individual sales with scouts going door to door in their neighborhood. Feel free to contact us if you would like more information. Cub Scouts of Pack 162 Contact: Cubmaster Peter Philbrook 603-964-5930 [email protected] PAGE 14
NORTH HAMPTON COMMUNITY NEWSLETTER
Sponsored by: The Town of North Hampton, North Hampton School Board, Friends of the Library, North Hampton Public Library, North Hampton, NH 03862
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